ANN ARBOR, MICH. — No. 6 Iowa field hockey delivered another dramatic win over a nationally ranked opponent Friday, knocking off No. 15 Michigan, 2-1, in overtime behind a golden goal from Fréderique van Cleef.
Van Cleef scored the game-winner at the 70:33 mark off an assist from Dionne van Aalsum, giving the Hawkeyes their 10th victory of the season and improving Iowa to 2-1 in Big Ten play.
The win followed another ranked victory for Iowa. NorthIowaToday.com previously reported that the Hawkeyes stormed back to beat Ohio State, 3-2, behind another strong late-game performance.
Van Aalsum puts Iowa in front
After a scoreless opening quarter, Iowa broke through midway through the second.
Van Aalsum scored at the 17:51 mark off a feed from van Cleef, giving the Hawkeyes a 1-0 advantage.
The goal was van Aalsum’s 12th of the season.
Iowa protected that lead through most of the second half as goalkeeper Julia Claessens and the Hawkeye defense kept Michigan off the board.
Michigan forces overtime
The Wolverines finally broke through late in the fourth quarter.
Natalie Millman scored at 53:17 off an assist from Milaw Clause, tying the match at 1-1 and forcing overtime.
Michigan entered the game ranked No. 15 nationally and dropped to 5-4 overall and 1-2 in Big Ten play with the loss.
Van Cleef delivers the golden goal
The Hawkeyes needed just over 10 minutes of overtime to finish it.
Van Aalsum set up van Cleef, who buried the game-winning goal at 70:33 to give Iowa the 2-1 victory.
It was van Cleef’s team-leading 15th goal of the season.
Van Cleef has been at the center of Iowa’s potent attack throughout the year. NIT previously reported that she scored twice in Iowa’s 4-1 victory over Ohio State and earlier recorded a hat trick when the Hawkeyes hammered Ball State, 8-0.
Head coach Lisa Cellucci praised her team’s response in a difficult Big Ten road environment.
“That was a hard-fought Big Ten win against a fantastic Michigan team,” Cellucci said. “The Hawks showed unbelievable resilience, and I was really proud of our energy, communication and problem-solving.”
Claessens stays unbeaten in goal
Claessens made six saves against Michigan and improved to 3-0 this season.
She has emerged as another key contributor during Iowa’s recent run. Claessens recorded a career-high nine saves in the Hawkeyes’ victory over Ohio State last weekend.
Iowa improved to 10-1 overall with Friday’s victory.
The Hawkeyes’ only loss this season came against Indiana in their Big Ten opener. NIT reported on that 3-1 setback, which ended Iowa’s unbeaten start.
Michigan State awaits Sunday
Iowa will remain on the road and return to action Sunday against Michigan State in East Lansing.
The match is scheduled for 11 a.m. Central time.
The Hawkeyes will enter the matchup at 10-1 overall and 2-1 in Big Ten competition, with another opportunity to strengthen an early-season résumé already loaded with victories over nationally ranked opponents.